Jehovah`s Witness Avoids Transfusion

March 19, 1986|By Deborah Petit, Staff writer

WEST PALM BEACH — A pregnant Jehovah`s Witness, who became the subject of a court-hearing Monday when she refused blood transfusions on religious grounds, was resting at St. Mary`s Hospital in an improved condition Tuesday evening.

Although a judge had ordered physicians to give the woman a transfusion if they decided the unborn child`s health was at stake, doctors never had to take such action because the woman`s hemorrhaging stopped Monday evening, a hospital nurse said.

The hospital sought a judge`s assistance when on Monday afternoon it appeared the 20-year-old mother`s refusal of blood transfusions could endanger her 27- week-old fetus.

Florida case law generally holds that a Jehovah`s Witness can refuse such medical treatment, as long as their decision will not directly affect others, such as dependent children or in this case, an unborn child.